Nairobi:
Kenyan President William Ruto said on Wednesday that a controversial tax hike bill would be “withdrawn”, after more than 20 people were killed in clashes with police and parliament was vandalized by protesters opposing the law.
The initial peaceful protests were sparked last week by Finance Bill 2024 – which politicians passed on Tuesday afternoon – and Ruto’s administration was caught by surprise as rallies gathered momentum across the country.
But protests led by Gen-Z turned violent on Tuesday when police opened fire on crowds outside parliament, causing vandalism and partially setting the complex on fire. Nineteen people were killed in the capital, Nairobi, the state-funded human rights watchdog said.
“I agree and that is why I will not sign the Finance Bill 2024 and it will be withdrawn later,” Ruto told a press briefing. “The people have spoken,” he said.
“I will propose an engagement with the youth of our country, our sons and daughters, so that we can listen to them,” he said in a marked change from his address late Tuesday, compared to when he met some protesters. “Criminal”. ‘We Can’t Kill Everyone’
Soon after his speech, leading opposition leader Hanifa Aden dismissed Ruto’s announcement as “PR”.
Referring to his comments last night, she said on Twitter: “He gave that speech to scare us and he saw it won’t work, India warns its citizens after extreme violence in Kenya.”
Violent protests are taking place in Kenya against the government’s proposed tax hike. At least five people have been killed and more than 150 injured in the violence in Nairobi. In such a situation, India has issued an advisory for its citizens.
India has advised its citizens in Kenya to exercise extreme caution and restrict non-essential movement amid violent protests against tax hikes proposed by the government in the East African country.
Police fired tear gas and bullets as thousands stormed Kenya’s parliament and set part of it on fire on Tuesday. Kenyan President William Ruto said on Tuesday that he would take a tough stance against “violence and lawlessness”.
The Indian Consulate in Kenya, in an advisory posted on social media platforms, said to avoid going to areas affected by protests and violence until permission is granted.
“Please follow local news and the mission’s website and social media handles for updates,” it said.
The army has been deployed to assist police in Kenya. Tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets have been used against the demonstrators. Five people were shot dead and 31 injured, Amnesty Kenya and several NGOs said in a joint statement.